The
Doctor of Musical Arts degree (
D.M.A.,
D.M.,
D.Mus.A. or
A.Mus.D.) is a
doctoral academic degree in music. The D.M.A. combines advanced studies in an applied area of specialization (usually music performance, composition, or conducting) with graduate-level academic study in subjects such as
music history,
music theory, or
music pedagogy. The D.M.A. degree usually takes about three to four years of full-time study to complete (in addition to the masters and bachelor's degrees), preparing students to be professional
performers,
conductors, and
composers. As a
terminal degree, the D.M.A. qualifies its recipient to work in university, college, and conservatory teaching/research positions.